Sport

WORLD CUP: Pepperell backing Dr Peters to boost England's hopes

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in Sport
by David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

ENGLAND’S footballers will benefit from having Dr Steve Peters on board for their World Cup campaign, according to an Oxfordshire star who has had a session with the heralded psychologist.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson recruited Peters to work with the squad for the trip to Brazil after a host of success stories across sport.

Five-time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins are among those who have sought his help.

Abingdon’s European Tour golfer Eddie Pepperell (pictured above) has also spent time with him.

The 23-year-old said: “I think he can be really beneficial to a certain type of person. “I went and saw him and thought he was fantastic – his knowledge is incredible. “It’s a brilliant principle for the right person and it can work wonders.

“I felt it worked for me.”

The psychologist’s most famous work is in the book The Chimp Paradox, which argues the key to top performances lies in taming your inner chimp – the illogical part of your brain.

While the benefits are more obvious in solo sports, Liverpool appeared to receive a boost while working with Peters last season.

Although manager Hodgson has said the move was made to assist players generally, the appointment has been seen by many as a way to help England prepare for a potential penalty shoot-out.

Pepperell, whose focus will be on his own tournaments rather than what happens in Brazil, is intrigued to see how it would work for a group.

He said: “The Chimp Paradox is a great concept. “He can make you feel very comfortable with having negative thoughts. We all have them.

“As soon as you accept that, it allows you to relax and play without pressure.

“For the team, it might be spot-on, but football and golf are hugely different.

“He’s done wonders with Liverpool, and hopefully England can do well. “I’m not hugely into football, but if they start doing well, then great.”